Running Time: 91 Minutes
Starring: Marjorie Estiano, Pablo Guisa Koestinger, Javier Drolas, Rafael Canedo, Chandelly Braz, Val Perré, Angela Rabello, Helena Varvaki, Maria Volpe, Mel Nunes
The latest film from co-writer/director Cristian Ponce, A Mother's Embrace opens on Rio de Janeiro during the summer of 1973. The camera lingers on a woman's face, capturing something which is clearly troubling her. She then ensures that her daughter, Ana, finishes a glass of milk before they venture to the park. Following a strange experience within a funhouse, the pair return home and fall asleep. Matters turn horrific when Ana awakens, to discover that their home is engulfed in flames.
After a moody tone established by the opening credits, the story cuts to 1996, with the news foreboding that the heaviest rainstorm in 25 years is coming. Now working as a firefighter, Ana (Marjorie Estiano) wishes to return to working in the field after a job where she was left paralyzed with fear. While she believes that she is ready, her Lieutenant does not appear to feel the same way. A call comes through for Ana and her team, as they discover a nursing home at risk of collapsing due to the horrific rainstorm. Despite attempts to evacuate the home, the elderly residents seem undisturbed and refuse to leave. It soon becomes clear that something more insidious is happening within these crumbling walls.
Intrigue is built from early on, as the rising mystery combines odd occurrences with worries regarding the worsening weather. The compelling and creepy aspect effectively draws viewers in, which makes it a shame how the film struggles to maintain that intrigue and unsettling nature. What works better is imagery woven in that resembles motherhood. This stylistic touch ties in thematically regarding the depiction of parents, as these figures take drastic measures that endangers their children's lives, under the belief that it is the best course of action.
Central to this tale is Ana, who faces a reminder of her own trauma as she keeps seeing her mother throughout her day. These repeated visions deeply affect the character, while also driving her throughout the unfolding situation, and Estiano's lead performance effectively conveys these elements. The one source of comfort throughout her traumatic experience was the firefighter that rescued her, and Ana aims to be that same change for Lia (Maria Volpe), a young girl in the middle of the nightmare who needs help.
While promises are made of escaping from a pervasive pain, that source drives Ana to give her all throughout the unforeseen circumstances. She wishes to break what could have been a cycle of suffering, to ensure that Lia lives a better life in the aftermath, and intends to persevere through whatever terrors lurk around. It all makes for an effective feature in A Mother's Embrace.
A Mother's Embrace made is UK Premiere at FrightFest Glasgow 2025
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